Pin electronics interface circuit

ABSTRACT

A pin electronics circuit for use in automatic test equipment may include a reconfigurable logic device in which different logic configurations may be installed to make measurements according to multiple tests to be applied to a device under test; a level generating circuit coupled to the reconfigurable logic device, and configured to generate a number of test levels and a number of reference levels; and a switching circuit, coupled to the reconfigurable logic device and the level generating circuit, configured to receive the test levels and the reference levels, and controlled by the reconfigurable logic device to selectively apply the test levels to the device under test according to a selected test and to sense levels inputted to or outputted from the device under test by comparing the reference levels generated by the level generating circuit to the levels inputted to our outputted from the device under test.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/313,135, filed Aug. 17, 2001, which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

This application relates to automatic test equipment (ATE) pinelectronics circuits for testing integrated circuit devices. Examples ofATE systems and/or components thereof are set forth in the followingU.S. patents, all of which are incorporated by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos.5,673,275, U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,772, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,443.

In ATE used to test integrated circuit devices, pin electronics circuitsare coupled to the pins or other nodes of an integrated circuit devicebeing tested, typically referred to as the “device under test” or DUT.Through the pins, stimuli signals or waveforms are supplied to the DUT,and output signals or waveforms from the DUT are detected and measured.Typically, the stimuli signals or waveforms represent logic states oranalog voltages or currents, which generally are applied to the pins ofthe DUT in parallel, with the resulting output signals read in parallel.

Many different types of electrical tests can be applied to DUT pins.Different kinds of pin electronics circuits typically are used to applythese different types of tests. Examples of tests that may be applied toDUT pins include the following:

Digital Test—this test typically includes a sequence of test vectors,described according to industry standard definitions such as theStandard Tester Interchange Language (STIL) defined in Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) specification 1450, in whicha DUT's input pins are driven to HIGH or LOW logic levels according tothe contents of the vector, and the DUT's output pins are measured todetermine whether the output voltage is above or below a specified logicthreshold level. This test is executed at a time appropriately definedfor each vector in the sequence.

Continuity Test—this test determines whether an electrical connectionexists between the pin electronics circuit and a DUT input, output, orinput/output (“I/O”) pin.

Voltage Output High (VOH) Test—this test measures the HIGH logic leveloutput voltage when a specified current is applied to a DUT output pin.

Voltage Output Low (VOL) Test—this test measures the LOW logic leveloutput voltage when a specified current is applied to a DUT output pin.

Input Current High (IIH) Test—this test measures the current required todrive a DUT input pin to a specified HIGH logic level. This test may bereferred to as a “leakage test.”

Input Current Low (IIL) Test—this test measures the current required todrive a DUT input pin to a specified LOW logic level. Like IIH tests,this test also may be referred to as a “leakage test.”

Continuity tests, voltage tests, and current tests, such as thosediscussed above, typically are made using a Parametric Measurement Unit(PMU) in conjunction with pin electronics circuits. The PMU is aninstrument that can force voltage and measure current, and/or forcecurrent and measure voltage. Characteristics of a PMU includeresolution, range, performance, and programmable limits. Resolutionrefers to the ability to generate or measure small differences involtage or current. Range refers to the highest and lowest voltages orcurrents that the PMU can generate or measure. Performance refers to thenumber of measurements of all types that can be made per unit of time.Programmable limits refer to the ability to set limitations on thecurrent or voltage range so that devices being tested are not damaged bythe PMU.

Conventional pin electronics circuits typically have individual circuitsseparately available to conduct tests, such as those described above.Such conventional pin electronics circuits generally include a drivercircuit that generates preprogrammed logic levels, one or morecomparator circuits to measure output levels, a preprogrammed loadcircuit that forces a voltage-dependent current to be drawn from orpushed into the DUT pin, and a PMU, which can be programmed to apply aspecific current and measure the resulting voltage or alternatively toapply a specific voltage and measure the resulting current.

SUMMARY

The present inventor recognized that conventional pin electronicscircuits tend to be expensive, relatively inflexible, and/ortime-consuming and costly in operation. For example, some conventionalATE systems use pin electronics circuits that have individual circuitsseparately available to conduct a variety of tests. In such systems, thedifferent tests typically are applied as separate test steps because allof the available testing circuits typically can not be connected to theDUT pin at the same time. As a result, such pin electronics circuitsfrequently include relays or switches to switch different subsets oftesting circuits off and others on. Such relay switching typically takestime and therefore the tests tend to be more time-consuming and costly.

Consequently, the present inventor developed a flexible and generalizedpin electronics circuit architecture that integrates the functions ofthe individual circuits of conventional pin electronics circuits. Amongother features of this architecture, several different tests (forexample, any or all of the tests discussed above) can be implementedwithout extra connection or disconnection means, while also reducingtesting time and expense. The flexible and generalized pin electronicscircuit may include a level generating circuit (e.g., one or moredigital to analog converters (DAC)), which can be used to generate driveand compare levels; one or more operational amplifiers, which can beused to buffer and drive the DUT pin; a switching circuit, such as oneor more complementary metal oxide semiconducting (CMOS) switches and anon-linear network (e.g., one or more diodes and resistors), which canbe used to selectively apply signals to the DUT pin; and one or morecomparators, which may be included in the switching circuit and can beused to establish the levels of current and voltage that are applied tothe DUT pin or generated by the DUT pin. The flexible and generalizedpin electronics circuit also may include a reconfigurable logic device,in which a particular logic configuration can be installed to make anyof the measurements under control of a test controller responsive to anindustry standard test description.

Implementations of the flexible and generalized pin electronics circuitdescribed here may include various combinations of the followingfeatures.

In one aspect, a flexible and generalized pin electronics circuit, forexample, to be used with ATE for testing an integrated circuit device,may include: a reconfigurable logic device, such as a field programmablegate array (FPGA), in which different logic configurations may beinstalled to make measurements according to a plurality of tests to beapplied to a DUT; a level generating circuit, which may include one ormore DACs, coupled with the reconfigurable logic device and configurableto generate one or more test levels (e.g., VHI, VTERM, VLO) to beapplied to the DUT and/or one or more reference levels (e.g., CREF andDREF) to be used in sensing the level inputted to or outputted from theDUT in accordance with a test being performed; and a switching circuit,which may include complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)switches or other suitable switches or relays known to one of ordinaryskill, controlled by the reconfigurable logic device and arranged toselectively apply a level generated by the level generating circuit(e.g., VHI, VTERM, VLO) to the DUT in accordance with a test beingperformed. The flexible and generalized pin electronics circuit also mayinclude sensing circuitry, such as comparators, configurable to compareinput and/or output levels of the DUT to the reference levels (e.g.,CREF or DREF) generated by the level generating circuit in response to atest being performed.

The reconfigurable logic device may include a digital test sequencer anda parametric measurement unit (PMU) sequencer. The digital testsequencer may have a plurality of outputs and an input, each outputbeing configurable to output a test vector and the input beingconfigurable to receive a signal corresponding to results of a test. ThePMU sequencer may be configured and operable to communicate with theswitching circuit and level generating circuit to set the various levelsin accordance with the tests to be applied.

The switching circuit also may include a number of operationalamplifiers, each coupled between the reconfigurable logic device and acorresponding switch. The operational amplifiers are capable of drivingthe switches to relay a particular test signal (e.g., VHI, VLO, orVTERM). A buffer also may be included in the switching circuit, whichmay be coupled between the switches and the DUT. The buffer, which maybe an operational amplifier arranged as a buffer, drives the relayedtest level to the DUT. A non-linear network (e.g., one or more diodesand resistors) may be coupled between the buffer and the device undertest. Such a non-linear network may simplify low current measurements ofthe DUT. A non-linear network excluding diodes also may be used. Such anon-linear network may simplify the process of calibrating the ATE.

In another implementation, configuring a test system to test anintegrated circuit device includes providing a test system having aprogrammable pin electronics circuit, such as the pin electronicscircuit discussed above; configuring the test system to be incommunication with a DUT; and programming the pin electronics circuit toimplement a selected test from a plurality of tests. Providing a testsystem having a programmable pin electronics circuit may beaccomplished, for example, by providing a test system having a pluralityof digital test sequencers, a parametric measurement unit, a levelgenerating circuit and a plurality of switching circuits.

Programming the pin electronics circuit to implement a selected testfrom a plurality of tests may be accomplished, for example, by settingvalues for a plurality of test levels and a plurality of referencelevels, generating the plurality of test levels and the plurality ofreference levels at the set values, applying selectively the generatedplurality of test levels to the DUT, sensing levels inputted to oroutputted from the DUT in response to the selected test, comparing thesensed levels inputted to or outputted from the DUT to the referencelevels, and outputting a signal corresponding to results of the selectedtest to a display device.

The flexible and generalized pin electronics circuit and techniquesdescribed here may provide several advantages. For example, because theoverall cost of ATE may depend to a significant degree on a relativelysmall number of custom components, conventional pin electronics circuitsrequiring individual circuits relayed together to perform various teststend to have relatively expensive manufacturing, configuration andoperating costs. Furthermore, performing various tests (such as thosedescribed above) using conventional pin electronics circuits tends to betime consuming and therefore costly due to relay switching betweenindividual circuits within the conventional pin electronics circuit. Incontrast, because the flexible and generalized pin electronics circuitis based on a generalized architecture, the costs associated withmanufacturing the flexible pin electronics circuit are less and the timerequired to perform a variety of tests tends to decrease. As a result,the design, development and other associated overhead costs may bereduced dramatically.

Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features and advantages willbe apparent from the description and drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a flexible and generalized pin electronicscircuit.

FIG. 2 is a detailed diagram of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a flexible and generalized pin electronicscircuit architecture that can test and measure six DUT pins in parallel.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a flexible and generalized pin electronicscircuit 110 that is selectively programmable to perform a variety oftests, such as those described above, on a DUT pin 160. The pinelectronics circuit 110 includes a reconfigurable logic device 120, alevel generating circuit 130, and a switching circuit 140.

The level generating circuit 130, which may include a plurality of DACs,is configurable to generate one or more test levels, identified asvoltage high drive level (VHI), voltage low drive level (VLO), andtermination voltage (VTERM), to be applied to the DUT pin 160 throughswitching circuit 140 in accordance with a test being performed. Inaddition, the level generating circuit 130 is configurable to generatereference levels, identified as compare reference (CREF), and drivereference (DREF), to be used by the reconfigurable logic device 120 inmeasuring the output of DUT pin 160 through the switching circuit 140 inaccordance with a test being performed.

The reconfigurable logic device 120 may be a field programmable gatearray (FPGA), such that different logic configurations can be installedto perform a plurality of functions, such as: setting the various testand/or reference levels to be generated and applied by the levelgenerating circuit 130 to the DUT pin 160 through the switching circuit140; outputting test vectors (also referred to as control signals) tocontrol the switching of the switching circuit 140; and/or receiving andmeasuring compare signals 132, 134 outputted from the switching circuit140. The reconfigurable logic device 120 can be coupled to the levelgenerating circuit 130 via line 128 to provide appropriate control datato the level generating circuit 130 to set the values of the varioustest and/or reference levels. The reconfigurable logic device 120 isselectively programmable to output test vectors on lines 122, 124 and126 to the switching circuit 140, which may include a plurality ofswitches, e.g., complementary metal oxide semiconducting (CMOS)switches, and associated circuitry. The test vectors provided throughlines 122, 124 and 126 drive the plurality of switches in the switchingcircuit 140 either ON or OFF. The switching circuit is arranged so thatthe reconfigurable logic device 120 may selectively allow the testlevels VHI, VTERM or VLO, which are generated by the level generatingcircuit 130, to be applied to the DUT pin 160 in accordance with a testbeing performed. The reconfigurable logic device 120 is configurable toreceive and measure compare signals 132, 134 outputted from theswitching circuit 140. The compare signal 132 results from a comparisonof the reference level DREF with the signal that is inputted to the DUTpin 160, while the compare signal 134 results from a comparison of thereference level CREF with the signal that is outputted from the DUT pin160.

Typically, a separate pin electronics circuit 110 would be provided for,and connected to, each pin of the DUT.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed diagram of the pin electronics circuit 110.The reconfigurable logic device 120 may be implemented as an FPGA, whichcan be configurable to perform the functions of a Digital Test Sequencer221 and a PMU Sequencer 223. Details of a suitable Digital TestSequencer 221 may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,443, entitled “EventSequencer for Automatic Test Equipment,” which is incorporated byreference. The operation of the PMU Sequencer 223 is discussed below.

The Digital Test Sequencer 221 is programmably selectable to output testvectors to and receive compare signals from the switching circuit 140.The PMU sequencer 223 is programmably selectable to set various testand/or reference levels to be generated and applied by the levelgenerating circuit 130 to the DUT pin 160 through the switching circuit140. The level generating circuit 130 may include a group of five DACs236, although a greater or lesser number of DACs could be used dependingon design parameters and constraints. The group of five DACs 236generate and apply test levels VHI, VLO and VTERM and reference levelsCREF and DREF to the switching circuit 140. The switching circuit 140may include four operational amplifiers 241, 242, 243, 244; twocomparators 245, 246; two diodes 248, 249; three resistors 251, 252,253; and three CMOS switches 254, 255, 256.

The pin electronics circuit 110 operates as follows. The Digital TestSequencer 221 is selectively programmable to provide test vectors onlines 122, 124, 126, 126 to the positive input terminal of theoperational amplifiers 241, 242, 243. The negative input terminal of theoperational amplifiers 241, 242, 243 is connected to a voltage VBB,which is an intermediate voltage level between the HIGH and LOW outputvoltage levels of the Digital Test Sequencer 221. The test vectors actas control signals, which drive the operational amplifiers 241, 242, 243to a HIGH voltage level, which is set by the operational amplifiers'positive power supply, or to a LOW voltage level, which is set by theoperational amplifiers' negative power supply.

Operational amplifiers 241, 242, 243 typically are used as buffers,which drive the CMOS switch 254, 255, 256 either ON or OFF. The outputvoltage level of each operational amplifier 241, 242, 243 is coupled tothe control terminal of a corresponding CMOS switch 254, 255, 256,respectively, which is turned ON or OFF based on the output voltagelevel of the operational amplifier 241, 242, 243. For example, if theoutput voltage level of any operational amplifier 241, 242, 243 is at aHIGH logic voltage level, then the corresponding CMOS switch 254, 255,256 is turned ON (also referred to as closed). Likewise, if the outputvoltage level of any operational amplifier 241, 242, 243 is at a LOWlogic voltage level, then the corresponding CMOS switch 254, 255, 256 isturned OFF (also referred to as opened).

The positive and negative power supplies of the operational amplifiers241, 242, 243 are selected to assure that the operating range of theCMOS switches 254, 255, 256 exceeds the normal programming range of thetest levels VHI, VTERM, and VLO. This assures that the output voltagelevels of the operational amplifiers 241, 242, 243 properly operate theCMOS switches 254, 255, 256. In this particular implementation,BurrBrown OP4132 operational amplifiers are used, although other typesof operational amplifiers known to those of ordinary skill can be used.

In normal operation of the pin electronics circuit 110, only one of theCMOS switches 244, 245, 246 is closed at any given time. Therefore thesignal that is applied to the positive input terminal of the operationalamplifier 244 is typically one of the test levels VHI, VTERM or VLO. Ifnone of the CMOS switches 254, 255, 256 are closed, or if two or moreare closed, then the pin electronics circuit 110 is not operatingnormally. However, in the process of closing one CMOS switch 254, 255,256 and opening another, for a short period of time it may happen thatneither switch is closed or that both switches are closed. If no CMOSswitch 254, 255, 256 is closed, then the test level VTERM's voltage isconnected to the positive input terminal of the operational amplifier244 through the resistor 253, which may be a very high value resistor.Consequently, the voltage that is applied on the positive input terminalof the operational amplifier 244 will tend to drift slowly toward VTERMbased on the time constant of the value of the resistor 253 multipliedby the stray capacitance at the positive input terminal of theoperational amplifier 244. If two or more switches are closed, then thevoltage on the positive input terminal of the operational amplifier 244will be determined by the voltage values of the test levels VHI, VTERM,and VLO, and will be somewhere between the highest and the lowestvoltage value of the three test levels. In normal operation, no voltagein this range will be damaging to either the pin electronics circuit 110or to the DUT through the connection at DUT pin 160. In this particularimplementation, the CMOS switches 254, 255, 256 are NationalSemiconductor 74HC4066 CMOS switches, although other types of switchesknown to those of ordinary skill can be used.

As stated above, the test levels VHI, VTERM or VLO, or a combination ofall three test levels, is applied to the positive input terminal ofoperational amplifier 244. In this implementation, the operationalamplifier 244 is used to drive the DUT pin 160 to test levels VHI, TERMor VLO, or a combination of all three test levels. The output of theoperational amplifier 244 may be connected to a non-linear network,which may include diodes 248, 249 and resistor 251. Such a non-linearnetwork simplifies low current measurements of the DUT pin 160. Anon-linear network excluding diodes 248, 249 also may be used. Such anon-linear network simplifies the process of calibrating the ATE.

The output of operational amplifier 244 may be connect to the anode ofdiode 248 and the cathode of diode 249, and to the positive input ofcomparator 245. The cathode of diode 248 is connected to the anode ofdiode 249, to one terminal of resistor 251, and to the negative inputterminal of operational amplifier 244. The negative input terminal ofoperational amplifier 244 receives a voltage signal from the commonconnection 270 of diode 248, diode 249, and resistor 251. Thisarchitecture is often referred to as a feedback loop. The feedback loopof operational amplifier 244 drives the voltage at the common connection270 of diode 248, diode 249, and resistor 251 to the voltage connectedthrough the closed CMOS switch 254, 255, 256 (which most times is eithertest level VHI, VTERM or VLO).

The output of operational amplifier 244 will be sufficiently higher orlower than the common connection 270 voltage to cause current to flowthrough diode 248 or diode 249. A similar amount of current also willflow through resistor 251. The resulting voltage at the second terminalof resistor 251 is applied to the DUT pin 160. Although the secondterminal of resistor 251 is coupled to one terminal of resistor 252,little or no current will flow through resistor 252—a function ofresistor 252 typically is to isolate the positive input of comparator246 from potentially damaging voltages that are applied to DUT pin 160.The input impedance of operational amplifier 244 is very high, hence thecurrent flowing through resistor 251 is almost the same as the currentflowing through either of the diodes 248, 249. In this particularimplementation, operational amplifier 244 is a BurrBrown OP4132,although other types of operational amplifiers can be used to effect thesame operation that is consistent with design parameters.

The positive input terminal of comparator 245 is coupled to the outputof operational amplifier 244. The negative input terminal of comparator245 is coupled to the level generating circuit 130, from which thereference level DREF is generated. The comparator 245 determines whetherthe voltage at the output of operational amplifier 244 is above or belowthe reference level DREF. The output of comparator 245 is coupled to thePMU sequencer 223 via line 132.

The operation of comparator 245 is as follows. If the voltage level ofthe input to comparator 245 is higher than the reference level DREF,then the output of comparator 245 is set to logic HIGH, and is viewed bythe Digital Test Sequencer 221 as logic HIGH. The PMU Sequencer 223,however, will increase reference level DREF incrementally until theoutput of comparator 245 changes to logic LOW, which occurs whenreference level DREF is incrementally larger (e.g., a millivolt) thanthe input to comparator 245. When this occurs, a flag is set by the PMUSequencer 223 for the reference level DREF to be measured. If thevoltage level of the input to comparator 245 is lower than the referencelevel DREF, then the output of comparator 245 is set to logic LOW, andis viewed by the Digital Test Sequencer 221 as logic LOW. The PMUSequencer 223, however, will decrease reference level DREF incrementallyuntil the output of comparator 245 changes to logic HIGH, which occurswhen reference level DREF is incrementally smaller (e.g., a millivolt)than the input to comparator 245. When this occurs, a flag is set by thePMU Sequencer 223 for the reference level DREF to be measured. This ishow the output voltage of the operational amplifier 244 is determined.

Test measurements are made by setting DC voltage levels on the test andreference levels VHI, VTERM, VLO, DREF, and CREF, using various settingsof the level generating circuit 130 and CMOS switches 254, 255, 256, andthen initiating operation on either the Digital Test Sequencer 221 orthe PMU Sequencer 223. Setting the values of the various levels, such asVHI, VTERM, VLO, DREF, and CREF, may be accomplished by sendingappropriate data from the PMU sequencer 223 via line 128 to the levelgenerating circuit 130.

FIG. 3 shows a flexible and generalized pin electronics circuitarchitecture 310 that can test and measure six DUT pins 380 in parallel.In this particular implementation, the level generating circuit 330supports up to six separate switching circuits 340, although theimplementation could be modified to support a lesser or greater numberof switching circuits. The reconfigurable logic device 320, which may bean FPGA, includes six separate Digital Test Sequencers 321 and one PMUsequencer 323. The number of PMU sequencers and the number of DigitalTest Sequencers that can be fitted into a reconfigurable logic device,such as an FPGA, depends on the size of the FPGA and the number of pinsthat it has.

In this implementation, the level generating circuit 330 includes anAnalog Devices AD5532 digital to analog converter (DAC). The AD5532device is a 32-channel, voltage-output, 14-bit monotonic DAC. The AD5532device contains 32 voltage-output DACs. The DACs may be selected one ata time over a five-wire address bus. The selected DAC can be programmedover a three-wire serial link with a stream of 14 consecutive bits thatset the voltage level. The AD5532 device 330 may be connected to the sixseparate switching circuits 340 via lines 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367.The PMU sequencer 323 may be coupled to the AD5532 device 330 via line328 and to each of the switching circuits 340 via lines 352, 353, 354,355, 356, 357. By contrast, each Digital Test Sequencer 321 may becoupled to a corresponding switching circuit 340 via lines 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6.

While the Digital Test Sequencers 321 may be operated fully in parallel,in this implementation PMU measurements may be operated in parallel onlyfor pins that are connected to different DACs. Therefore, six iterationsare used to execute a PMU measurement on all pins. If the test programrequires that a particular PMU measurement be made on all pins, theneach PMU sequencer may be enabled to cycle sequentially through each ofthe six pins to which it is connected, recording the results from themeasurement on each pin.

The details of algorithms that may be used to perform various tests andmeasurements using the various implementations described above are notedbelow.

Digital Tests—

This test typically includes a sequence of test vectors in which a DUT'sinput pins are driven to HIGH or LOW logic levels according to thecontents of the test vector, and the DUT's output pins are measured todetermine whether the output voltage is above or below a specified logicthreshold level. This test is executed at a time appropriately definedfor each vector in the sequence. Thus, this test requires setting thetest and reference levels that are generated by the level generatingcircuit 130, 330 and applying an appropriate test vector to theswitching circuit 140, 340, and consequently the DUT pin 160, 380.Digital tests are conducted at speeds low enough to allow the testingcircuits to respond. The vector rate may be as low as 100 kilohertz.This is enough for many types of digital test.

The test and reference levels that are generated by the level generatingcircuit 130, 330 should be set as follows:

-   -   VHI—test level VHI should be set to a voltage that corresponds        to the minimum HIGH logic input level (outputted from the        Digital Test Sequencer 221, 321) plus the voltage drop to be        expected by the current conducted through one of the diodes 248,        249 and the resistor 251 into DUT pin 160;    -   VLO—test level VLO should be set to a voltage that corresponds        to the maximum LOW logic input level (outputted from the Digital        Test Sequencer 221, 321) plus the voltage drop to be expected by        the current conducted through one of the diodes 248, 249 and the        resistor 251 into DUT pin 160;    -   VTERM—the test level VTERM should be set to a voltage        corresponding to the required termination voltage;    -   CREF—the reference level CREF should be set to a voltage        corresponding to the device output reference level; and    -   DREF—the voltage setting of the reference level DREF does not        matter for these type of tests.

The test vector typically has a specified time duration and a specifiedcomponent for each DUT pin. The component can be represented by any ofsix characters 1, 0, H, L, X, or Z. The low-speed digital test operatesin the following fashion:

1. At the beginning of the specified time duration, the positive inputterminal of each operational amplifier (OpAmp) 241, 242, 243 should beset according to Table 1 a “—” means no change).

TABLE 1 Char OpAmp 241 OpAmp 242 OpAmp 243 1 HIGH LOW LOW 0 LOW LOW HIGHH LOW HIGH LOW L LOW HIGH LOW X — — — Z LOW HIGH LOW

2. At a time equal to 0.9 times the specified time duration, the outputof comparator 246 should be checked, and a PASS or FAIL should berecorded according to Table 2.

TABLE 2 Char Comparator 246 Record Comparator 246 Record 1 — — — — 0 — —— — H LOW FAIL HIGH PASS L LOW PASS HIGH FAIL X — — — — Z — — — —

Thus, if the test vector has a specified component represented by a “H”and the output of comparator 246 measures at a LOW logic level, then aFAIL should be recorded, i.e., the DUT pin failed the test. Likewise, ifthe test vector has a specified component represented by a “H” and theoutput of the comparator 246 measures at a HIGH logic level, then a PASSshould be recorded, i.e., the DUT pin passed the test.

The Digital Test Sequencer 221, 321 of the reconfigurable logic device120, 320 executes this algorithm by reading each successive test vectorfrom tables contained as a portion of the configuration or from memoriesconnected to the reconfigurable logic device 120, 320 or from othervector storage means. Such storage means are familiar to those skilledin the art.

PMU Current Test (apply voltage and measure current)—

A PMU current test typically includes applying a specified voltage to aDUT pin and measuring the resulting current. With respect to thedisclosed pin electronics circuit 110, 310, applying the voltage to theDUT pin 160, 380 should be done as follows:

-   -   1. Connect test level VTERM, VHI or VLO to the positive input of        operational amplifier 244;    -   2. Set the voltage of test level VTERM, VHI or VLO to the        specified voltage;    -   3. Determine whether the voltage at DUT pin 160, 380 is above        the specified voltage by sensing a HIGH logic level at the        output of comparator 246;    -   4. If the voltage at DUT pin 160, 280 is above the specified        voltage, adjust the voltage of test level VTERM, VHI or VLO        downward until the change in voltage at the positive input        terminal to comparator 246 causes the output of comparator 246        to go to a LOW logic level;    -   5. Else if the voltage at DUT pin 160, 280 is below the        specified voltage, adjust the voltage of test level VTERM, VHI        or VLO upward until the change in voltage at the positive input        terminal to comparator 246 causes the output of comparator 246        to go to a HIGH logic level;

When the adjustment to the voltage of test level VTERM, VHI or VLOcauses the output of comparator 246 to change (from HIGH to LOW logiclevel or LOW to HIGH logic level), then the voltage at the positiveinput terminal to comparator 246 is known to be close to the voltage ofreference level CREF, which can now be adjusted to determine theresolution of the measurement.

Other voltage measurement algorithms, such as a binary search, may beused instead or in addition to those described here. With respect to abinary search, once the proper specified voltage is set, the currentthrough the non-linear network, such as the current through diodes 248,249 and resistor 251, which is being driven and applied to the DUT pin160, 380, is measured by adjusting the voltage of reference level DREFupward or downward until the voltage at the positive input terminal tocomparator 245 is determined with adequate resolution. Any of severaldifferent search algorithms, readily known to those of ordinary skill,can be used in this regard.

The difference between the voltage found on DUT pin 160, 380 and theoutput of operational amplifier 244 can be used to calculate the currentbecause the I-V characteristics of diodes 248, 249 and resistor 251 canbe known with sufficient accuracy.

PMU Voltage Test (apply current and measure voltage)—this test typicallyincludes applying a specified current to a DUT pin and measuring theresulting voltage. Because the current into DUT pin 160, 380 can bedetermined by measuring the voltages at both the DUT pin 160, 380 andthe output of operational amplifier 244, the process of applying thecurrent and measuring the voltage is transformed into setting thevoltage of test level VTERM, VHI or VLO to a preliminary value, just asin the PMU Current Test, and then measuring the current, followed byadjusting the voltage of test level VTERM, VHI or VLO upward or downwarddepending on whether the measured current is below or above the requiredset point. Limiting values of voltage and current are included in thealgorithms of the PMU Sequencer 223, 323 to prevent damage either to theDUT or to the circuitry.

Leakage Tests—this test is a special case of applying a specifiedvoltage to the DUT pin 160, 380 and measuring the resulting current. Ifthe measured current is too high, the leakage test fails. In general, aleakage test can be simplified because the exact current value does notneed to be known. Because the current leakage in modern circuits isexpected to be very small, the measured voltage drop typically would notprovide adequate resolution without diodes 248, 249, which have nearlylogarithmic voltage-current characteristics at very low currents. Theadditional voltage drop across resistor 251 typically is very small instandard leakage tests.

Continuity Test—this test determines whether a connection exists betweenthe pin electronics circuit and the DUT output pin. This test is aspecial case of applying a specified voltage and measuring current atthe DUT output pin, but without power being supplied to the DUT. If themeasured current is too low, then the continuity test fails. This testalso can be simplified because the exact current value does not need tobe known.

VOH Test—this test measures the HIGH logic level output voltage when aspecified current is applied to a DUT output pin. This test is a specialcase of applying a specified current to a DUT output pin and measuringthe resulting voltage at the DUT output pin. The DUT output pin isoperated under control of the Digital Test Sequencer 221, 321 until theDUT output pin is expected to be driven to a HIGH logic level. Then thecurrent is set to the maximum HIGH output current according to the DUTspecification and the voltage at the DUT output pin is measured.

VOL Tests—this test measures the LOW logic level output voltage when aspecified current is applied to a DUT output pin. Generally, this testis a special case of applying a current to a DUT output pin andmeasuring the resulting voltage at the DUT output pin. The DUT outputpin is operated under control of the Digital Test Sequencer 221, 321until the DUT output pin is expected to be driven to a LOW logic level.Then the current is set to the maximum LOW output current according tothe DUT specification and the voltage at the DUT output pin is measured.

IIH Test—this test measures the current required to drive a DUT inputpin to a specified HIGH logic level. This test is a special case ofapplying a specified voltage (e.g., the minimum HIGH logic level) to aDUT input pin and measuring the required current at the DUT input pin.

IIL Test—this test measures the current required to drive a DUT inputpin to a specified LOW logic level. This test is a special case ofapplying a specified voltage (e.g., maximum LOW logic level) to a DUTinput pin and measuring the required current at the DUT input pin. andmeasuring current.

Various implementations of the pin electronics circuits, architectureand testing techniques described here may be realized in digitalelectronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs(application specific integrated circuits), Field Programmable GateArrays (FPGAs), or in computer hardware, firmware, software, orcombinations thereof.

The computational aspects described here can be implemented in digitalelectronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or incombinations of them. Where appropriate, aspects of these systems andtechniques can be implemented in a computer program product tangiblyembodied in a machine-readable storage device for execution by aprogrammable processor; and method steps can be performed by aprogrammable processor executing a program of instructions to performfunctions by operating on input data and generating output.

To provide for interaction with a user, a computer system can be usedhaving a display device such as a monitor or LCD screen for displayinginformation to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device such as amouse or a trackball by which the user can provide input to the computersystem. The computer system can be programmed to provide a graphicaluser interface through which computer programs interact with users.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it willbe understood that various modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the claims. Accordingly, other embodimentsare within the scope of the following claims.

1. A pin electronics circuit for use in automatic test equipment, saidcircuit comprising: a plurality of digital-to-analog converters, eachcapable of generating a test signal or a reference signal; a pluralityof switches, each configured to receive a corresponding one of the testsignals; a plurality of operational amplifiers, each coupled to acorresponding switch, and capable of driving the switches to select areceived test signal; a buffer coupled to the switches, and capable ofdriving the selected test signal to a device under test; and a pluralityof comparators, each coupled to a digital-to-analog converter andconfigured to be coupled to the device under test, and configured toreceive a reference signal and to compare the received reference signalto a signal applied to or outputted from the device under test.
 2. Thepin electronics circuit of claim 1 further comprising a non-linearnetwork to be coupled between the buffer and the device under test. 3.The pin electronics circuit of claim 1 wherein each one of the pluralityof switches is a complementary metal oxide semiconducting switch.
 4. Thepin electronics circuit of claim 1 further comprising a reconfigurablelogic device configured to make measurements according to tests to beapplied to the device under test.
 5. The pin electronics circuit ofclaim 4, wherein the reconfigurable logic device comprises a fieldprogrammable gate array.
 6. The pin electronics circuit of claim 4,wherein the reconfigurable logic device comprises a digital testsequencer having a plurality of outputs, each output configured tooutput a test vector, and a plurality of inputs, each input configuredto receive a signal corresponding to an output from one of the pluralityof comparators.
 7. The pin electronics circuit of claim 6, wherein thereconfigurable logic device further comprises a parametric measurementunit coupled to the plurality of digital to analog converters andcapable of setting the test signal and the reference signal topredetermined levels in accordance with a specified test.
 8. A pinelectronics circuit for use in automatic test equipment, said pinelectronics circuit comprising: a reconfigurable logic device in whichdifferent logic configurations may be installed to make measurementsaccording to a plurality of tests to be applied to a device under test;a level generating circuit coupled to the reconfigurable logic device,and configured to generate a plurality of test levels and a plurality ofreference levels; and a switching circuit, coupled to the reconfigurablelogic device and the level generating circuit, configured to receive theplurality of test levels and the plurality of reference levels, andcontrolled by the reconfigurable logic device to selectively apply theplurality of test levels to the device under test according to theplurality of tests.
 9. The pin electronics circuit of claim 8 whereinthe switching circuit comprises: a plurality of switches, each coupledto the level generating circuit to receive one of the plurality of testlevels; a plurality of operational amplifiers, each coupled between thereconfigurable logic device and a corresponding switch, and capable ofdriving the corresponding switch to relay the received test level; abuffer coupled to the switches and configured to be coupled to thedevice under test, and capable of applying the received test level tothe device under test; and a plurality of comparators, each configuredto be coupled to the device under test and coupled to the levelgenerating circuit and the reconfigurable logic device, and configuredto receive a reference level and to sense levels inputted to oroutputted from the device under test in response to the plurality oftests.
 10. The pin electronics circuit of claim 9, wherein the switchingcircuit further comprises a non-linear network configured to be coupledbetween the buffer and the device under test.
 11. The pin electronicscircuit of claim 9 wherein each one of the plurality of switches is acomplementary metal oxide semiconducting switch.
 12. The pin electronicscircuit of claim 8, wherein the reconfigurable logic device comprises adigital test sequencer having a plurality of outputs, each outputconfigured to output a test vector, and a plurality of inputs, eachinput configured to receive a signal corresponding to an output from acomparator.
 13. The pin electronics circuit of claim 12, wherein thereconfigurable logic device further comprises a parametric measurementunit coupled to the level generating circuit and capable of setting theplurality of test levels and the plurality of reference levels accordingto the plurality of tests.
 14. The pin electronics circuit of claim 8,wherein the level generating circuit comprises a plurality ofdigital-to-analog converters.
 15. A pin electronics circuit for use inautomatic test equipment, said pin electronics circuit comprising: areconfigurable logic device configured to make measurements according toa plurality of tests to be applied to a device under test, thereconfigurable logic device comprising a digital test sequencer having aplurality of outputs, each output configured to output a test vector,and a plurality of inputs, each input configured to receive a signalcorresponding to a test result, and a parametric measurement unitcapable of receiving a signal corresponding to the test result andsetting a plurality of test levels and a plurality of reference levelsaccording to the plurality of tests; a level generating circuitcomprising a plurality of digital-to-analog converters, each coupled tothe parametric measurement unit and configured to generate the testlevels and the reference levels set by the parametric measurement unit;and a switching circuit coupled to the reconfigurable logic device andthe level generating circuit, and controlled by the reconfigurable logicdevice to selectively apply the test levels generated by the levelgenerating circuit to the device under test according to the pluralityof tests.
 16. The pin electronics circuit of claim 15, wherein theswitching circuit comprises: a plurality of switches, each coupled to acorresponding one of the digital-to-analog converters to receive theplurality of test levels; a plurality of operational amplifiers, eachcoupled between one of the outputs of the digital test sequencer and acorresponding switch to receive the test vector and drive thecorresponding switch to relay one of the test levels generated by thelevel generating circuit; a buffer coupled to the plurality of switchesand configured to be coupled to the device under test, and capable ofdriving the relayed test level to a device under test; and a pluralityof comparators, each coupled to the reconfigurable logic device andconfigured to be coupled to the device under test, and configured toreceive one of the reference levels generated by the level generatingcircuit and to compare the received reference level to levels inputtedto or outputted from the device under test in response to the pluralityof tests.
 17. The pin electronics circuit of claim 16, wherein theswitching circuit further comprises a non-linear network configured tobe coupled between the buffer and the device under test.
 18. The pinelectronics circuit of claim 16 wherein each one of the plurality ofswitches is a complementary metal oxide semiconducting switch.
 19. Amethod of configuring a test system, the method comprising: providing atest system having a programmable pin electronics circuit including aplurality of digital test sequencers, a parametric measurement unit, alevel generating circuit and a plurality of switching circuits;configuring the test system to be in communication with a device undertest; and programming the pin electronics circuit to implement aselected test from a plurality of tests, wherein programming the pinelectronics circuit to implement a selected test comprises: programmingthe parametric measurement unit to set values for a plurality of testlevels and a plurality of reference levels; sending the set values forthe test levels and the reference levels to the level generatingcircuit; programming the level generating circuit to generate the testlevels and the reference levels at the set values; applying theplurality of test levels and the reference levels selectively to theswitching circuits; programming the digital test sequencer to controlthe switching circuits to selectively apply the plurality of test levelsto the device under test according to a plurality of tests. sensinglevels inputted to or outputted from the device under test in responseto the plurality of tests; and comparing the levels inputted to oroutputted from the device under test to the reference levels.